May 13, 2021 by New Buffalo Times

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THURSDAY, MAY 13, 2021

LIFE IN NATURE AND THE SANDY SHORES

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CHICAGO • LONG BEACH • MICHIANA SHORES • GRAND BEACH • NEW BUFFALO • UNION PIER • THREE OAKS • LAKESIDE • HARBERT • SAWYER issue 19, volume 80

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Thursday, May 13, 2021

COVID-19 cases continued to be on decline last week in Berrien County PAGE 3 Results of high-speed internet access survey revealed at Board of Commissioners meeting PAGE 4

New Buffalo City Council approves first reading of short-term rental ordinance PAGE 5 Door opens for marijuana sales in Three Oaks PAGE 6 New Buffalo Area Schools Board of Education adopts proposed Articles of Incorporation for Recreation Authority Board PAGE 8 Students of the School of American Music to perform for the community this weekend PAGE 16

CHARLIE FINLEY

WORLD SERIES CHAMPION OWNER 1972, 1973, AND 1974 CONSECUTIVELY OAKLAND ATHLETICS — PAGE 7 — PHOTO SUPPLIED BY LESLIE DANESI

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THURSDAY, MAY 13, 2021

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THURSDAY, MAY 13, 2021

COVID-19 cases continued to be on decline last week in Berrien County

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EFFORT UNDERWAY TO ADJUST STRATEGY FOR GETTING VACCINES TO RESIDENTS

errien County continued to see a decline in cases of COVID-19 last week, Nicki Britten, health officer at the Berrien County Health Department, said during a Facebook Live update Tuesday, May 4, as she said there had been 36 new cases per day over the last seven days. As of the afternoon of Monday, May 3, in total, the health department was reporting 13,538 confirmed cases, 252 confirmed deaths and 12,058 30-day recoveries. There were also a reported 13 non-ICU COVID-19 patients and two ICU patients. On May 4, Britten said the percent positivity rate had stabilized at around 12 percent. “Some of the ways tests are being deployed now and how people are getting funneled to the tests is making it more likely we’re going to find some positive tests,” she said, adding that “some effort is underway to really help to renormalize the interpretation of that data.”

BY FRANCESCA SAGALA

Britten added that the hospitalization rates, cases, and deaths are decreasing. “All of those things working together give us a good picture - I don’t want people to get too hung up on a double-digit positive rate.” On May 4, Dr. Loren Hamel, president of Spectrum Health Lakeland (SHL), said that COVID-19 hospitalizations were running in the mid-30s at SHL. Last week, Gov. Gretchen Whitmer unveiled her “MI VACC to Normal” challenge, which lays out a plan to open up more of the state as more people get vaccinated. It was announced May 10 that 55% of Michiganders received their first dose for the vaccine, marking the first milestone of the plan which will enable in-person work to resume across all employment sectors May 24. The goal is to vaccinate 70 percent of the state’s population 16 years and older. On Friday, May 7, the health department was reporting approximately 47

percent vaccination coverage among the county’s 16 years and older population. Reaching the 70 percent (which Britten said would be 5.6 million Michiganders and 86,000 Berrien County residents) goal would lift the Gatherings and Face Masks Order “such that MDHHS will no longer employ broad mitigation measures unless unanticipated circumstances arise, such as the spread of vaccine-resistant variants,” according to the governor’s office press release.

ritten said the “rate of vaccination is slowing down.” “As we are adjusting our strategy as health care providers in Berrien County to get the vaccines to where people are instead of expecting people to come to us, that’s going to help accelerate,” she said. Hamel said that it wasn’t long ago when “a lot more people wanted vaccine than we had vaccine doses.” Now, this has shifted. “We have more doses than we have willing arms,” he

Be still and the earth will speak to you. — Navajo

said. Hamel said that “we’re modifying the way we interact with our public to try to encourage in the most convenient way for you to get that vaccine.” This includes taking it taking it to doctor’s offices and other places where “people are normally flowing through.” Britten said residents can self-schedule themselves for their second dose with the health department. Two months ago, residents would need to return to the place where they got their first dose of the vaccine to receive their second one due to limited supply; however, now that the supply is more ample, Britten said that residents do have more of an opportunity to choose “where and when” to get their second dose. “There really is no time that’s too late for your second dose,” she said, adding that CDC guidelines state that if 42 days have passed someone can still receive their second dose and doesn’t need to restart the series.

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THURSDAY, MAY 13, 2021

Local Government Meetings New Buffalo Times

Democracy Requires Transparency

CITY OF NEW BUFFALO JOHN HUMPHREY, MAYOR CITY COUNCIL LOU O’DONNELL, IV. MARK ROBERTSON, JOHN HUMPHREY, ROGER LIJESKI, BRIAN FLANIGAN City Council meets on the 3rd Monday of each month at 6:30PM CITY OF NEW BUFFALO PLANNING COMMISSION MEETINGS to be determined NEW BUFFALO TOWNSHIP NEW BUFFALO TOWNSHIP BOARD PETE RAHM, MICHELLE HEIT, JUDY H. ZABICKI, PATTY IAZZETTO, JACK ROGERS Board meets on the 3rd Monday of each month at 7PM NEW BUFFALO TOWNSHIP PLANNING COMMISSION Meets on the 1st Tuesday of each month at 6:30PM CHIKAMING TOWNSHIP CHIKAMING TOWNSHIP BOARD DAVID BUNTE, PAULA DUDIAK, LIZ RETTIG, RICHARD SULLIVAN, BILL MARSKE Chikaming Board meets on the 2nd Thursday of each month at 6:30PM CHIKAMING TOWNSHIP PLANNING COMMISSION Meets on the 1st Wednesday of each month at 6:30PM THREE OAKS THREE OAKS TOWNSHIP BOARD Meets on the 2nd Monday of each month at 7PM VILLAGE OF THREE OAKS BOARD Meets on the 2nd Wednesday of each month at 7PM GRAND BEACH VILLAGE OF GRAND BEACH COUNCIL Meets on the 3rd Wednesday of each month at 7PM MICHIANA VILLAGE OF MICHIANA COUNCIL Meets on the 2nd Friday of each month at 1PM

Results of high-speed internet access survey revealed at Board of Commissioners meeting

BY FRANCESCA SAGALA

president, said. embers of the Berrien County Board of Municipalities in the county where Commissioners have less than 7 percent of households don’t been aware of “some have access to broadband are St. Joseph sort of digital divide Township (2.42%), the City of Bridgman and a gap” within the county, Teri Sue (4.84%) and the City of St. Joseph Freehling, 8th District commissioner, (5.56%). The number of households that said. lack broadband access are highest in “Looking at FCC maps and what was Weesaw Township at nearly 83 percent. reported - it was stating Berrien County A slideshow with the survey’s results had over 95 percent access to what can be found at www. was then defined as berriencounty.org “Looking at FCC maps broadband - made us and what was reported under the Board of realize we needed to - it was stating Berrien Commissioners page. dig a little deeper,” she County had over 95 “The problem you ran said, adding the board percent access to what into - that there is a big was then defined as also partnered with discrepancy with what broadband - made us Southwest Michigan realize we needed to the official statistics Planning Commission. dig a little deeper,” she show about broadband Suspicions that what said, adding the board availability and the the official statistics also partnered with reality on the ground Southwest Michigan were reporting - is an experience Planning Commission. differed from what occurring across the was really there were country, especially in rural areas,” Dr. confirmed when the results of a highJohannes Bauer, director of Michigan speed internet access survey of Berrien State University’s Quellos Center, which County residents were presented by the does research that’s focused on the Berrien County Broadband Task Force social and economic implications of (BCBIT) during a meeting of the Board communication, media, and information of Commissioners Thursday, May 6. technologies, said. BCBIT created the survey through a partnership with the nonprofit Merit Network. “From the survey we can quantify that much of Berrien County is unconnected or insufficiently connected,” Ben Fineman, Michigan Broadband Alliance

he survey indicated that 72 percent of residents with no access would be willing to pay between $26 and $100 for service per month. The FCC’s current threshold for

broadband is a minimum of 25 Mbps download and three Mbps upload; however, experts now suggest that speeds of 100 Mbps/100Mbps are more accurate regarding modern bandwidth needs. Only 13 households (which is less than one half of one percent of respondents) participating in the survey have that level of broadband access. Freehling said that she hopes to do town halls with municipal and community leaders to share the results. “We’re certainly going to be looking to build a set of overall goals of what type of services will be the best fit and where throughout Berrien County and how the county can proceed to help facilitate those services,” she said. Berrien County Administrator Brian Dissette said the American Rescue Plan Act of 2021, an economic stimulus bill that was signed into law by President Joe Biden to speed up the United States’ recovery from the economic and health effects of the COVID-19 pandemic, has an allocation of $30 million coming to Berrien County and that one of the items that’s specifically addressed in the act is the construction of broadband. In the future, Dissette said that the county could partner with local units of government that are receiving recovery act money who “wish to attack the lack of broadband in communities.”

Good ideas are the backbone of good government. — Brian Schweitzer

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THURSDAY, MAY 13, 2021

New Buffalo City Council approves first reading of short-term rental ordinance

embers of the New Buffalo City Council approved a first reading of a potential ordinance that would amend Chapter 11, titled “Short-Term Rental Units,” of the city’s Code of Ordinances, at a special meeting Monday, May 3. According to the official language, the proposed ordinance would amend Chapter 11 of the Code of Ordinances to “provide an efficient procedure for revoking rental permits and make other modifications allowing more effective regulation of short-term rental units.” “All the stuff in here is to hold people who rent accountable and allow us to enforce that accountability where there’s a problem,” Mayor John Humphrey said. “This is the tool that, in combination with the increased police and code enforcement officer, gets people their enforcement,” he added, noting that the document has been made available to the public for six weeks. Councilmember Mark Robertson said he’s concerned about the “mounds and mounds of paperwork directed toward our clerk” that’s mentioned in the document. He also said that he isn’t in favor of the City Council designating a hearing officer instead of a board to preside over permit revocation hearings. Humphrey said that, in attorney Nick Curcio’s opinion, a hearing officer is the “cleanest, most non conflict way” to resolve these cases, as they would be a retired police chief or judge who can “operate based on facts without bias.” He said paperwork would be set up on a city list serve and would only need to be made accessible if there’s a problem at a property. Robertson said he would like to see code enforcement “go on for a summer and beyond” to see how it would work. Humphrey said that having the proposed document would allow for city to get “proper code enforcement.” “In order for us to proceed with

BY FRANCESCA SAGALA

monitoring and tracking what’s going on at these homes, we need a document like this to be able to do it legally and to be able to enforce it,” he said. Councilmember Lou O’Donnell said that he also doesn’t like all the paperwork going to the clerk, as well as the idea of having one individual preside over hearings. “I have never been a fan of one person being able to make a final decision, especially when revoking someone’s permit,” he said. Also in the document is a requirement that permits be displayed in the window. “You have to put your permit in the window that says you’re a legal rental,” Humphrey said, adding that this would be the best way to “weed out” illegal rentals. Humphrey said that the Planning Commission should be sending a recommendation to the council regarding the zoning aspect of shortterm rentals, which may include putting a cap on rentals in R-1 and hiring Granicus to do data collection. O’Donnell expressed confusion over the “different numbers” that he’s heard with regards to how many registered short-term rentals there are in the city. It was revealed that there are 165, with 87 of those being in R-1. The first reading was then approved in a 5-1 vote. O’Donnell was the dissenting vote due to the public comment portion of the meeting being moved to after the first reading took place. Councilmembers will bring their concerns over the proposed document to City Manager Darwin Watson or Curcio before the second reading (scheduled to take place at the May 17 council meeting). Councilmembers also discussed a proposed resolution to “terminate the existing moratorium on the registration of short-term rental units in the city’s R-2, R-3, PUD, GCD, CBD, I-1, WM, and NCD zoning districts.” “The moratorium shall remain in

effect with respect to properties in the R-1 zoning district until August 31, 2021, or until the effective date of a zoning ordinance amendment providing shortterm rental saturation controls for that district, whichever comes first,” the proposed resolution states. “While the moratorium remains in effect in the R-1 district, City staff may accept and process applications to reregister currently registered short-term rental units in the R-1 district in the name of a new owner, but otherwise shall not accept or process applications pertaining to dwellings therein,” it further states. Last fall, the council voted to extend the moratorium on the addition of new rentals to the registry until August 2021. During the 40 minutes of public comment, Dan Coffey said that the proposed Michigan House Bill 4722, which is scheduled for a reading at the end of the month, proposes to make short-term rentals “a residential use of proper and permitted use in all of the residential zones” and not a “commercial use of property.”

eather Gradowski said that she felt the reservation summaries asking for information such as the name and date of birth for each occupant and the number of vehicles parked at the site is an “enormous burden of paperwork” for both property owners and the city and that requiring that a designated local agent reside within 20 miles of the geographic boundaries of the city “precludes private owners from managing their own property.” Diane Gajos said that the moratorium isn’t allowing responsible short-term rental owners in R-1 to “prove ourselves as responsible owners” and asked for it to be lifted in R-1 “so we can show how beneficial short-term rentals are to New Buffalo.” Julie Ritchie said that she’s had to turn

down weekly rentals for the summer “because the city is requiring that I cannot rent my home out.” “Therefore, I am not earning an income off of my home that I purchased and therefore that’s my retirement,” she said. John Natsis said that he feels that the council is beginning to get a “more nuanced story of what’s really at issue here.” “Take this year to get some data so you know oh, it’s a garbage problem, it’s a noise problem - whatever the issue is and address it accordingly.” Councilmembers approved a site plan and special use permit for outdoor seating for Hummingbird Lounge (located at 9 South Barton Street), which will include a 19-by-19-foot deck and the construction of decorative perimeter fencing. Ben Smock of Hummingbird Lounge said that they have a shared parking agreement with the bank. In a 5-1 vote (Humphrey voted “no”), councilmembers tabled a site plan approval request for Beer Church to expand the outdoor seating area by constructing a raised deck, that is an add on to the existing patio, to include an outdoor pizza oven and pizza bar area. There were questions about the parking in the area that is located near a busy intersection, with O’Donnell saying that the nearby lot located on Whittaker and Buffalo streets is under a lease agreement and therefore “could be cancelled at any time.” He said he doesn’t feel that “it’s right that we use that in the analysis of how many spots there are for whoever” and he’d like a legal opinion on the matter. Councilmembers approved a site plan request from Neena Vlamis for the construction of an A & N Mortgage building on the vacant lot at 120 W. Buffalo Street. Architect Bill McCollum said that the building will be 1500 square feet and that there will be eight parking spots on the site.

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THURSDAY, MAY 13, 2021

Factory cashing in by going green

BY STAN MADDUX

southwest Michigan man is helping his employer lower their cost for electricity by going green. Sullivan-Palatek outside Michigan City was presented with an over $15,000 check on April 29 from Northern Indiana Public Service Company. The amount represents a projected one-year savings on their electric bill from an energy conservation project at the industrial air compressor making plant on U.S. 20 near Hitchcock Road. SullivanPalatek spent $46,000 on replacing 450 old light fixtures in the high ceiling with fixtures burning LED bulbs in the 165,000 square foot workshop of the plant, said Scott Newcomb, director of Plant Operations for SullivanPalatek. He said the positive impact on their electric bill and quality of the lighting has been noticeable after making the switch two months ago. “We even got some employees that want to have tinted safety glasses now because of the brightness of it,” Newcomb said. Michael French of Buchanan came up with the idea to offset what his employer was spending for electricity.

French, a part-time farmer and auto mechanic, is maintenance manager at the plant. Newcomb said the decision to go ahead with the project was made after learning it would take just slightly over a year to reap a full return on the investment. The check also serves as a partial rebate on the installation cost. Kirby Dipert, a field manager for the energy conservation program, said the incentive is offered to prevent demand from exceeding the amount of energy utilities can produce themselves especially during extreme conditions. He said utilities running low are forced to buy energy at a cost higher than what they can produce it themselves. The added expense has to be passed on to the consumer. “The more customers they can get on energy efficiency programs the

less of a chance they have of being unable to provide the needed power in the heat of the summer or in the cold of winter,” Dipert said. Newcomb said about 150 people are employed at Sullivan-Palatek which had $80 million in annual sales worldwide prior to COVID-19. The company has existed for about 35 years.

Door opens for marijuana sales in Three Oaks

BY STAN MADDUX

he door has opened for the sale of marijuana in Three Oaks. The Three Oaks Planning Commission unanimously approved an application for a special land use permit from Bloom Operations, LLC Tuesday, May 4. The company licensed to sell recreational and medical marijuana in Michigan would operate from an existing facility at 6761 W. U.S. 12. Approval of the application for a special land use permit will be given final consideration by the Three Oaks Village Council. Final approval could result in legal action by Darrin Malek, an attorney representing Exclusive Healing. Malek said Exclusive Healing occupies the property under a lease with Dennis Grosse. He said the special land use application indicates a purchase agreement for the property has been reached between Grosse and Bloom Operations, LLC. but the lease is between Grosse and his client. Therefore, Malek said the special land use application is improper because there’s no lease agreement between his client and “the true owner of the property.” Malek also alleged the minutes from a previous Planning Commission meeting were not accurate. He said the minutes reflect a motion was made to clarify questions regarding ownership of the property but the motion was actually to meet with the village attorney on how to proceed.

“I have a recording of that and I’m glad to share that with you,” Malek said. Malek also said consideration of the special land use application was tabled indefinitely but the minutes reflect the matter was tabled specifically until May 4. “It’s not accurate. That’s not what the motion indicated,” he said. Malek said other issues include “we don’t know if Grosse sold the property based on a land contract, an installment purchase or some other means.” Planning Commission Chairman Gene Svebakken said Grosse is the current holder of the deed and there’s a right for a legal challenge for deciding who has control of the property. “My understanding from our legal counsel is it is a valid application. If the courts need to sort this out then the courts can do that. That’s not the role of the Planning Commission,” he said.

vebakken said the Planning Commission also plans to process the application for a special land use permit expected from Exclusive Healing. The Planning Commission also tabled a request from Highway Horticulture out of Portage, Michigan, to operate a marijuana dispensary at 300 E. Ash Street. Svebakken said the paperwork submitted by the company appeared insufficient to constitute a full site plan and postponing the hearing another month will allow a preliminary review to be completed.

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THURSDAY, MAY 13, 2021

Bridge named after LaPorte baseball team owner

e died 25 years ago and it’s been close to half century since his highprofile Oakland A’s teams won three consecutive World Series. Charlie Finley is back in spirit with a bridge named after him close to where he lived outside LaPorte. Finley, who grew up in Gary, is in the first class of six LaPorte County residents chosen to have their names go up on bridges under a new program honoring local citizens for their accomplishments. The Charles O. Finley Memorial Bridge is on Johnson Road above the Indiana Toll Road. Jim Arnold, a former Indiana State Senator and La Porte County Sheriff, lived just down the road from Finley who he got to know on a first name basis. He said the honor is much deserved for a larger than life, blue collar figure who brought recognition to the city and gave back to the community. “He put LaPorte on the map,” Arnold said. Finley was also famous for the A’s trademark green, gold and white uniforms along with the white shoes he introduced after moving the team from Kansas City in 1968. He later stepped into the spotlight again by creating an orange baseball. Believing orange was more visible under the lights, Finley pushed Major League Baseball to use the ball during night games but was unsuccessful. Finley, a former steelworker, and LaPorte seemed

BY STAN MADDUX

like the perfect marriage. The city was built on manufacturing and their beloved Slicers were a powerhouse in high school baseball under legendary Head Coach Ken Schreiber. Mark Schreiber remembered trips his late father took to visit Finley in the Oakland A’s dugout when the team was in Chicago to play the White Sox. Schreiber said white shoes worn by his father’s players became a tradition after Finley donated white shoes to the Slicers program.

home and see the A’s logo carved into his shrubbery. Finley later moved to a nearby farm on U.S. 35 where he annually staged huge live nativity scenes at Christmas. People in cars lined up for about a mile sometimes waited to turn into his property to see the exhibit. Dermody said Finley’s presence here was a source of pride for the community and living here during those days was “very cool.” LaPorte County Commissioner Rich Mrozinski said he saw Finley just one time but it couldn’t have been more special. Mrozinski said he and several other Vietnam War veterans stepped into a bar together near Michigan City and there was Finley having a drink.

inley was quick to express his gratitude for their service to the country “He bought us all a beer. I thought it was pretty nice that he did that,” he said. The outspoken Finley later made headlines by blaming free agency for having to sell many of his superstar players and later selling the team

Finley also donated balls and other equipment. “He had a lot of impact on the community and the community was really proud to have him as a resident especially in the years when the Oakland A’s were winning World Series championships,” he said. LaPorte Mayor Tom Dermody was growing up on baseball cards and watching the Oakland A’s teams with superstars like Reggie Jackson and Jim “Catfish” Hunter on TV when his father took him to see Finley at different functions locally. Dermody said it was also neat to drive by Finley’s

in 1980. Also well documented were his nasty legal battles with Major League Baseball Commissioner Bowie Kuhn. In his opinion, Arnold said only George Steinbrenner, the late owner of the New York Yankees, compared to Finley in terms of stature from a professional sports team owner. Arnold said Finley during his visits with him never acted like a celebrity and seemed to put his pants on one leg at a time. “He would talk to anybody but there was never any doubt where he stood on anything,” he said.

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THURSDAY, MAY 13, 2021

SCHOLASTICS

New Buffalo Area Schools Board of Education adopts proposed Articles of Incorporation for Recreation Authority Board

embers of the New Buffalo Area Schools Board of Education adopted the proposed Articles of Incorporation for the New Buffalo Area Recreation Authority Board at their Monday, May 10, meeting. Board President Chuck Heit said that the New Buffalo City Council and New Buffalo Township Board will need to approve the Articles of Incorporation at their May 17 meetings. He said that having a New Buffalo Area Recreation Authority (NBARA) “opens up a lot of grant opportunities” and allows for the three communities to work together for grants which school districts aren’t eligible for. The softball field is on city property. This makes it difficult for the school district to make improvements to it, since it doesn’t own the property, Heit said. Per the articles, the NBARA shall be governed by a seven-member board. The City Council will appoint two members, the New Buffalo Township Board will appoint two members and the school board will appoint two members. The board members appointed by the City Council, New Buffalo Township and school board shall appoint one at-large member who isn’t a member of the City Council, township board or school board. “No member of the NBARA shall be an elected official of the City, NBT (New Buffalo Township) or NBAS (New Buffalo Area Schools),” the

BY FRANCESCA SAGALA

articles state. Superintendent Dr. Jeff Leslie said that Tony McGhee of Abonmarche was one of the “driving forces” behind the authority. “I think this is going to be a great vehicle for getting some upgrades in our school district and community… It’s going to help our students and local residents and people who come visit us,” he said. Board members approved the contract bids for the STEAM Building and Recreation Site. Leslie said that the bids came $274,453 under what was the project’s final design estimate. He said he believed there were six general contractor bidders and two on the site work. “I’d like to thank Tom Smith (from Skillman Corporation) and all the efforts of Skillman and Abonmarche to help us get to this point,” he said. Board members approved the bond resolution for the 2021 Debt. At their Feb. 8 meeting, board members “authorized the issuance of bonds designated 2021 School Building and Site Bonds in the principal sum of not to exceed $4 million (the “bonds”), states the resolution. Leslie said that the bond sale took place that afternoon and that there were 11 bonding companies offering their interest rates. He said the school district worked with Moody’s and PFM and the bond rating was upgraded from a Aa2 to a Aa1, which is the same as the state of Michigan. Board members heard a

presentation on Operations Department from Keith Carlson, director of operations. The school district employs eight full time custodians, two part time groundskeepers (one full time and one part-time in the summer). One maintenance person is responsible for all district maintenance. Custodians average 25,500 square feet cleaned per day. Carlson thanked high school principal Wayne Butler and middle school principal Bradley Brunner for arranging class schedules to accommodate classroom disinfecting between every four-minute passing period. The dining room, main commons area and half of the Blue Gym are where lunch is served in the middle/high school. Food service staff disinfect all the tables after lunch.

t the elementary school, students stay in their own cohorts and travel from room to room to their “specials” rooms (music, art, and PE). Carlson thanked secretary elementary student services Renee Bowen, secretary Barb Woerdehoff and principal Adam Bowen for rearranging those schedules so they “never overlap” and there’s always a break for the cleaning staff to clean those areas. The middle/high school and elementary buildings, the athletic fields, track and storage buildings and the transportation building are all “structurally excellent,” Carlson said. HVAC RTU’s are maintained,

inspected and in good condition in the elementary school, and all units have IWave Ionization air purifiers installed. The high school’s HVAC systems are in excellent condition. All AHU’s have been outfitted with I-Wave ionization air purification, and MERV 9 triple pleat filtering. The security upgrade and relocation of the administration office project in the elementary school has been completed, and the new entrance has been completed. Projects this summer include beginning construction of the Steam Building and Recreational Area Improvements, completing the middle/high school courtyard project, installing tennis court lighting, and installing new middle/high school skylights. Board members accepted the resignation, with regret, of Haylie Murphy and accepted the letter of resignation from Carly Bullard, effective the end of the school year. Prom is scheduled to take place Saturday, May 15, as Leslie said the district received updated guidance from the Michigan Department of Health and Human Services (MDHHS). Graduation will be 8 p.m. Saturday, June 5, in the multiplex field and will be followed by fireworks. Board members approved the hiring of Desi Williams as Kitchen Worker #1 and Stacy Gropp as Kitchen Worker #2 in the 2021 Summer Feeding Program.

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THURSDAY, MAY 13, 2021

SPORTS From the Bleachers

COLUMN BY KURT MARGGRAF IN CHICAGO

ere’s hoping all of you Mothers out there had a happy Mother’s Day. My mom passed away twelve year’s ago at the age of ninety and I’ve been missing her ever since. Who but your mother stands behind you whether you’re right or wrong? Who else but your mother would put up with your dad? Mother’s have a special place in our hearts and those of you who are lucky enough to still have yours should cherish them every day, not just Mothers Day. Luckily, I have a daughter and a daughter in law that are wonderful mothers whom I love dearly. Those of us who have been around for a while have witnessed the metamorphosis of the female in our society. When I was a youngster, most young ladies had little or no interest in sports, and participating was out of the question. Title nine became law in 1972, and it became illegal to discriminate between anyone who wanted to participate in sports, regardless of their sex. Women were suddenly given opportunities that had heretofore been denied. Now, if a young girl was a “tomboy”, she was encouraged to participate in sporting events. Shortly after, many more girls began to participate and began to enjoy the physical as well as the emotional part of team sports. Watching my daughter and her friends play softball, learn to play as a team, and compete, made it obvious to me that girls and boys had the same makeup. Soccer coming into vogue in this country was also a great outlet and because both sexes were basically starting from scratch, the skill levels are close to

equal. The other sport that has reached the professional level is basketball. Years ago, the girls game had them standing in one spot. When they started playing the game like it’s played today, the product paled in comparison to the boys. Now, almost fifty years later, the girls game is excellent. The size and strength doesn’t compare, but the skills are pretty close. Watching the NCAA basketball tournament this year was eye opening for me. The girls passing, shooting, and dribbling was amazing. The improvements over the decades are obvious and I think that the game has a bright future. Girls softball has produced some fine ball players, but the game hasn’t progressed to the professional level. There was a story this week out of suburban Chicago that told of a freshman at Downers Grove South high school. Gianna Kasper made the boys high school baseball team because she outplayed the boys who didn’t make it. She tried out to honor her late father. Television showed a couple of clips of her playing and let me tell you, she’s really good. Again, hope your Mother’s Day was wonderful. It really doesn’t matter weather the mothers of the future are athletes, they’re still moms doing all they can to help their children navigate their way through life. Abraham Lincoln said “ All that I am, or ever hope to be, I owe to my angel mother.” Refuse hate. Talk to you next week. Peace, love, and happiness.

Shoes make an outfit. You can throw on a crazy shirt and crazy pants but you add those shoes - done. — Russell Westbrook

Bison Girls Softball Sidetracked by COVID-19

BY STAN MADDUX

he New Buffalo High School girls’ varsity softball team had both games cancelled last week by COVID-19. The team was expected to resume play Tuesday, May 11, at Lake Michigan Catholic; Thursday, May 13, at home against Howardsville Christian and Friday, May 14, at home against Buchanan. New Buffalo High School Athletic Director Matt Johnson said a student athlete in the spring sports program tested positive for the virus. He said contact tracing revealed several players on the softball team had recent contact with the individual. As a result, the players at risk of being of infected were placed on quarantine as a precaution, he said.

Johnson said enough players on quarantine left the team too shorthanded to play on May 4 at Lawrence and May 6 at home against River Valley. Contact is defined by the Centers for Disease Control as being within 6 feet of an infected person for at least 15 minutes. The boys’ baseball game at home on May 6 against River Valley was also cancelled. Johnson said some of the Bison players became sick, which left the team without enough pitchers. The illnesses on the baseball team were not believed to be from COVID-19. Johnson said the baseball team was expected to resume action May 11 at Lake Michigan Catholic and May 14 at home against Buchanan. The baseball team lost 14-4 on May 4 at Lawrence.

SO CAN YOU.

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10 THURSDAY, MAY 13, 2021

Harbert Road Beach stairs are now complete BY FRANCESCA SAGALA

he lower portion of the stairs at Harbert Road Beach are now complete. The former “Beach Closed” signs have officially been removed and the stairs are now open, awaiting the public to access the beach. According to Joe Sipek, one of the project’s organizers, the stairs were completed April 29 – ahead of the May 1 deadline. Sipek gave credit to all the volunteers who helped rebuild the stairs, and that it took around 10 to 11 working days for them to complete the project. He said that they had 19 worker volunteers; however, several people gave muchneeded nourishment to the group. “People brought us good lunches,” he said. The group ran into rain toward the end of the last week. Nonetheless, the group was undeterred, as they merely would stop to have lunch and hunker down under umbrellas. As stated on the Chikaming Township Parks, Preserves and Beaches Facebook, the “details of anchoring the cables and securing the guard along the walkway finished out the day” April 29. Sipek said he’s heard the public is already out enjoying the stairs. “I’ve heard a lot from the community on how great they look,” he said. An expanded platform located near the top has seating benches on both sides, so people who don’t want to walk all the way down to the beach can still take in a Lake Michigan sunset.

Wooden stairs lead to an intermediate beach platform, with stairs leading down to the beach. A cable system has been installed to prevent the stairs from sliding down the dune. The original stairs washed away in October 2019. At a special Chikaming Township Park Board meeting April 15, board members approved rebuilding the stairs for an amount not to exceed $10,000. Architecht Dan Menitoff drew up the plans for the stairs. Jocelyn Verlee, a park board member, also helped coordinate the project. The Harbert Beach Stairs Committee is EnRico Heirman, Steve Ellis, Joe Sipek, Arthur Anderson, Sherri Curry, Jocelyn VerLee and the Chikaming Park Board. The Build Team was Joe Sipek, Bill Lucas, Beth Dahl, Bernie Dahl, Mike Blake, Allynn Gooen, Josh Higgins, Rex Heirman, Steve Ellis, Laury Lewis, Alex Schrader, Arthur Anderson, Karen Brink, Doug Morris, Aras Lintakas, Mike Cote, Dan Fester, Chuck Hornewer, and Donny Hamilton. The following people and businesses provided coffee, treats and lunches: Enrico and Amy Heirman, Steve and Cindy Ellis, Vivian May with Swedish Bakery and Cafe Louisa, Betty Lewan, Mrs. Anderson, Peasant Pantry, Greenbush Brewery, Whistle Stop Bakery, Sawyer Home and Garden, John Chipman with Bentwood Tavern, Carolyn Drier, Roxanne Skender, Sherri Curry, Mc Grail, Rivkin, Ram families, Pam Poindexter, Jessie and Carol and Deborah Hall Kyler

Only by going alone in silence, without baggage, can one truly get into the heart of the wilderness. All other travel is mere dust and hotels and baggage and chatter. — John Muir

LETTERS TO THE NEW BUFFALO TIMES:

DEMOCRACY LAYS DOWN WITHOUT TRANSPARENCY THE VIEWS HERE DO NOT NECESSARILY REPRESENT THE VIEWS OF THE NEW BUFFALO TIMES. THE NEW BUFFALO TIMES ASKS THAT YOUR LETTERS BE UNIQUE, KIND AND BASED ON REASONED FACTS. THE NEW BUFFALO TIMES RESERVES THE RIGHT TO NOT PUBLISH ANY CORRESPONDENCE FOR ANY REASON. PLEASE K EEP YOUR LETTERS TO 350 WORDS OR FEWER. PLEASE INCLUDE YOUR NAME, PHONE NUMBER AND YOUR EMAIL ADDRESS. PLEASE EMAIL YOUR LETTER TO THE INFO@NEWBUFFALOTIMES.COM. THANK YOU KINDLY IN ADVANCE. DEMOCRACY REQUIRES TRANSPARENCY.

New Buffalo Times LOCAL INTELLIGENCE — SINCE 1942 —

THE FIXED INCOME DILEMMA – CAN YOU SPONSOR A NEIGHBOR?

“I

magine with me what it is like to be a senior in Harbor Country. I worked all my life in restaurants in Harbor Country. Likely I poured coffee for you and took your order for food. The restaurants where I worked were open 7 months a year because of the seasonal nature of our economy. My employer could not afford to pay for health insurance or set aside retirement for me. I could not pay for health insurance or retirement as each year I struggled to make it through the time of unemployment to spring when seasonal residents and tourists would return. Today I am 70 years old, I live on $700 per month and receive $16 a month for food stamps. I struggle to survive. I pay $200 per month for lot rent, $97 every other month for my water bill, $250 for a budget bill payment on electricity and gas as my home is not well insulated, and my medical co-pays average $200 a month. Each month I juggle paying my bills—it is frustrating to have worked all my life and to end in this situation.” This story is not unusual; many seniors as well as people with disabilities in Harbor Country are in the same situation. In response, Neighbor by Neighbor created the “Sponsor a Neighbor:

Restoring Dignity and Hope” program, inviting people to help support our neighbors on fixed incomes. Neighbor by Neighbor will pay one bill per month for those whose expenses exceed their incomes to give them room in the budget to pay all their bills and live with dignity. It allows people who worked all their lives to remain safely housed with their utilities on. They don’t have to choose between food, medicines and paying utility bills. Applicants must complete a detailed budget to qualify and set up a budget plan with utility companies. Neighbor by Neighbor regularly monitors participants to see if there have been any changes to their circumstances. If you would like to support Sponsor a Neighbor, you can pledge a specific amount on a regular basis or give a lump sum, designated to “Sponsor a Neighbor.” For more information, see our website at www. neighborbyneighbor.org or call 269-231-0648. Neighbor by Neighbor serves primarily residents of Chikaming, New Buffalo and Three Oaks Townships, The Village of Three Oaks and the City of New Buffalo. Assistance includes linkage with other service providers, emergency food, assistance with rent/mortgage and utilities. Funding is provided by The Pokagon Fund, United Way, Berrien Community Foundation, individuals and churches. — LINNEA BERG NEIGHBOR BY NEIGHBOR

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ORDERS NOW BEING TAKEN FOR NATIVE PLANT SALE

he Berrien Conservation District is taking orders for native wildflowers and grasses. Deadline for orders is Thursday, May 20, and orders are to be picked up at Love Creek County Park and Nature Center Thursday, May 27. Some species will also be available to purchase day of order pick-up from 12 to 4 p.m. Orders can be made online at www. berriencd.org or an order form can be mailed upon request. Native plants are adapted to this region’s soils and climate, and require little maintenance once established. They are a valuable food source for many insects and birds that many ornamental plants cannot provide. Native plants have strong, extensive root systems that help rainwater infiltrate deep into the soil and protect the soil from erosion. Wildflowers and grasses can also enhance the beauty of any landscape. Admission to Love Creek will be waived during this time. The location is 9292 Huckleberry Road, Berrien Center, Michigan. To request an order form or for questions, call The Berrien Conservation District at 269-4719111 x3. — STAFF REPORTS

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14 THURSDAY, MAY 13, 2021

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16 THURSDAY, MAY 13, 2021

SAM Student Showcase STUDENTS OF THE SCHOOL OF AMERICAN MUSIC TO PERFORM FOR THE COMMUNITY THIS WEEKEND

he School of American Music will kick off The second recital, beginning at 4 p.m., will feature its spring concert series with a showcase of students of Madison Kutch, Beth Oeseburg and Ron students in recital at a free, outdoor event at Spears, in addition to Boklund, Mitchell and Vanden 2 p.m. Sunday, May 16, at Three Oaks Arts Bussche. The program will showcase voice students and Education Center, 14 Lauren Eggleston, Alex Heiser Elm Street, Three Oaks. and Abby Shaw, violin students The two-part recital will be Kendra Klint, Sadie Liggett, Deb performed on the Spring Creek Rancatore and Ella Siri, piano Stage behind the A&E Center. students Morgan Siri and Owen Families are invited to bring Siri, along with Emma Reitz on lawn chairs and other provisions piano, Callyn Reitz on baritone for sitting outside. All Covid-19 ukulele, Kyle Kaeding on guitar, protocols for outdoor large Erius Bower on saxophone and gatherings will be observed, Alivia Reitz on flute. including distancing and masking Music in the second recital where appropriate. will include “Mary Had a Little Lamb,” the Folk/Celtic of and J. “We’re so proud of our students S. Bach’s Minuet and Bouree. and faculty and the ways they’ve “Students’ recital pieces maneuvered through all the reflect the level to which various Covid restrictions and they have grown in the last protocols of the last year,” said semester,” said Mitchell. “If Donna M. Mitchell, executive you watch some of our previous director of the School of Erius Bower takes sax from Elin Boklund recitals on YouTube, you American Music. “They not only at the School of American Music can see how much they have have maintained their progress achieved so far this year.” and grown as musicians, they’ve learned about overcoming adversity, an important life skill ccompanists for for musicians and for everyone.” the afternoon will “Traveling Music” is the be Adrian Cole on theme of the recital beginning piano and Garth at 2 p.m. A blend of voice and Taylor on guitar. piano compositions featuring “And to show students and the students of Mitchell, Denise parents that teachers also know Vanden Bussche and Elin how to have musical fun, a surprise Boklund, the performance will SAM Faculty Musical Offering will Callyn Reitz and teacher include tunes ranging from open each recital,” said Mitchell. Donna M. Mitchell “Guitars of Seville” to “Nights in The School of American White Satin” to “For Good” from Music Spring Recital is free, but the Broadway musical “Wicked.”, donations are welcome and can be made on the SAM Performing in the first half of the afternoon will website, schoolofamericanmusic.com. In case of rain, be voice students Clay Burk, Kirill Petrov, and the event will be held at 2 p.m. Sunday, May 23, and Charis Todd, along with piano students Arthur will move indoors in case of inclement weather that Anderson, Harper Baldwin, Maddox Baldwin, Acacia day. Details will be announced as needed. The School of American Music offers one-on-one Baney, Zion Baney, Aiden Bettig, Ben Bolinder, instruction with working musicians. Information Hana Bolinder, Charlie Gibson, Karina Hamann, and teacher profiles are available on the SAM Alex Heiser, David Lewis, Krill Petrov, Abby Shaw, website, www.schoolofamericanmusic.com. Charlotte Sullivan, Claire Sullivan, Tabitha Sullivan, Chris Todd, Eli Todd, and Mark Todd. — STAFF REPORTS

GREAT LAKES WATER LEVELS CONTINUE SEASONAL RISE

reat Lakes water levels are below last year’s record levels but will continue rising before peaking in the summer months. During the spring, water levels typically begin a seasonal rise due to increased precipitation and runoff. Drier conditions so far this spring limited seasonal rises on some lakes, however, there are still a few months left in the typical seasonal rise period. “Dry conditions have continued for most of the Great Lakes region, with the exception of the Lake Superior basin, which experienced above average precipitation in April,” said Detroit District Great Lakes Hydraulics and Hydrology Office Chief John Allis. “These drier conditions have resulted in lake levels that are much lower than the record highs of recent years. However, some lakes are still above average and coastal flooding and erosion are still possible, especially during periods of active weather and increased wave action.” The Great Lakes basin is in its sixth consecutive month of below average precipitation. April monthly mean levels ranged 14 to 17 inches below last year’s record high levels on Lakes Michigan, Huron, St. Clair, and Erie. Lake Superior was 6 inches below last year’s level, while Lake Ontario was 28 inches below last year’s April level. From March to April, monthly mean water levels rose by two inches on Lakes Superior and Erie, while Lake Ontario rose five inches. Lakes Michigan, Huron, and St. Clair matched March’s monthly mean levels in April. The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers’ most recent six-month forecast, covering months May through October, indicate Great Lakes water levels will remain below record high levels, but above average on all lakes, except Lake Ontario. Lake Ontario’s forecast is below average levels over the next six months. https://www.lre.usace.army.mil/Missions/Great-LakesInformation/. Citizens or businesses in the Great Lakes region considering construction projects to alleviate erosion or flooding may require a Corps of Engineer’s permit as they could impact rivers, streams, wetlands, and other aquatic resources. To find more information about the permit process, visit your perspective area, Michigan and Northeast Indiana, at www.lre.usace.army.mil/ Missions/Regulatory-Program-and-Permits/ Illinois and Northwest Indiana and www.lrc.usace.army.mil/ Missions/Regulatory/Northern Ohio, Pennsylvania, and New York: https://www.lrb.usace.army.mil/Missions/ Regulatory.aspx. Staff Reports

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MOTEL SHUTDOWN FOR FIRE CODE VIOLATION

ozens of people were forced to find other housing after a condemned motel where they were living in Michigan City was shut down. Kings Inn at 201 W. Kieffer Road came under an order to vacate immediately at 8:30 a.m. Friday, April 30. Various agencies involved in finding emergency shelter for people were given a written notice of the order from the Michigan City Code Enforcement Department. Failure by the motel to pass a final fire code inspection on Thursday was cited for guests having to vacate the premises immediately. “We are outreaching people that may not have anywhere to go. That will probably be over 50 people,” said Lindsey Patty of the Path Program at Swanson Center. She said most of the displaced motel guests were from the La Porte and Michigan City areas. Jim Musial, director of Citizens Concerned for the Homeless, said people on extended stays at the motel typically lost their jobs and don’t have enough money to pay the next month’s rent. He said the cheap rates for a room is all they can afford until they land back on their feet. Musial said other individuals have income from just Social Security when different circumstances forced them to live temporarily at the motel. “It’s where people go because they don’t want to go to a homeless shelter,” he said. Social workers were busy talking to people forced out of their rooms to find out who didn’t have another place to go right away. Musial said one of the facilities with available space was Sand Castle, a shelter for homeless families on Michigan City’s north end. A two night stay at rooms at other motels were also offered along with money to help pay for the higher rates, he said. Musial said social workers were aware a shutdown of the motel was possible several weeks ago but notice of vacancy came at the last minute. Nevertheless, he said needs were being met by organizations that work closely together and follow a plan for such a happening. “Our systems of collective impact exist for this very kind of emergency,” he said. Patty said the task of finding immediate shelter for people needing it was quite challenging but one she hoped to accomplish. “We’re giving it our best effort,” she said. WW— STAN MADDUX

THURSDAY, MAY 13, 2021 17

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18 THURSDAY, MAY 13, 2021

OBITUARIES

HCH TO VISIT LOCAL FOREST PRIMEVAL

arbor Country Hikers will find out why Warren Woods fits the definition of a true forest primeval when they visit at 10 a.m. Saturday, May 22. The beauty of spring awakening in both young and old-growth forests will surround hikers as they learn from botanist and hike leader Bob Tatina why the 322-acre state park is called Warren Woods Forest Primeval. Hikers are advised to prepare for some damp trails and a great experience. The trail winds under specimens up to 125 feet tall and girths greater than 5 feet in diameter and includes a stairway and some fallen logs. Warren Woods is east of Red Arrow Highway on Union Pier/ Elm Valley Road in Three Oaks. Recommended dress includes long pants, sun hat, sturdy shoes or boots, insect repellent and water. HCH hikers observe social distancing and face masks are required. For complete details or HCH membership information, visit www.harborcountryhikers.com. — STAFF REPORTS

Arlene Ender

1924-2021

rlene Ender, 96, of Galien died peacefully Friday, April 30, 2021 in the comfort of her family’s presence. Her life began December 8, 1924 in Weesaw Township, the second of six children born to Floyd and Emma (Krieger) Miller. She married Raymond Ender October 7, 1944 in Galien, Michigan. He preceded her in death in May of 1988. Arlene cherished her family and would always keep the family together. She insured that her family spent Thanksgiving and Christmas together at her parent’s house every year. When her parents passed, Thanksgiving and Christmas were held in her home, to ensure that she still brought her family together. She enjoyed baking and made wedding and birthday cakes, mostly for her family. She enjoyed being outdoors, taking care of her flowers and garden. She would often farm, cut wood, handpicked corn, and mowed the lawn with and for her family. Arlene was a member of Community of Christ Church in Galien for over sixty years. She often volunteered at her church, school activities, booster clubs, Galien Historical Society. Arlene assisted with the addition of a Community Room to the church. She wasn’t afraid to get her hands dirty to help with the build. She would knit but was especially a skilled at crochet. She was a proud Den Mother of her son’s Scout Troop. She will be greatly missed by family and friends. She is survived by one son, Allen (Jill) Ender of Galien; grandchildren, Tina (Tim Williams) Wismer of Monticello, Illinois, Thomas Wismer of Benton Harbor, Michael Ender of Galien, Erick (Traci) Ender of Hudsonville, Todd Ender, Sr. of Manistee, Karen Latus of Tennessee; great grandchildren, Derek Wismer, Kylie, Cassie, Eliana, Evan, Todd, Jr., Tiffany, Jack, Ashley, Anne, Carole, Greg; and a host of nieces and nephews. She was preceded in death by her parents; her husband; her daughter Sharon Wismer, and her siblings, Dean, Dale, Zane, Emma Louise, and Harold Leon. Family and friends will gather from 4:00 p.m. until 8:00 p.m. Thursday, May 6, 2021 in Pobocik Chapel Wagner Family Funerals, 106 Ash Street East, Three Oaks. A funeral service will be held at 11:00 a.m. Friday, May 7, 2021 in the funeral home. Arlene will be laid to rest with her husband of forty-five years

in Galien Township Cemetery. The family prefers contributions in Arlene’s memory be made to Community of Christ Church – Galien, 110 South Cleveland Avenue, Galien, Michigan 49113 or to Outreach International, 112 West 18th Street, Kansas City, Missouri, 64108 or at https://outreach-international.org. Arrangements have been entrusted to Pobocik Chapel Wagner Family Funerals, Three Oaks. Please share a memory or a message online: wagnercares.com.

Clark Thompson Miller

1930-2021

lark Thompson Miller, 90, of Harbert, Michigan died peacefully at Spectrum Lakeland Hospital on Monday, May 3, 2021. He was born November 24, 1930 in Chicago, Illinois to Wyatt Acton and Lucile Duff Miller. He married Marion Koch on July 5, 1952 in Milwaukee, Wisconsin. Clark started his early in his career programming computers in COBOL and FORTRAN languages. He spent 20 years at Concordia University’s computer center as a systems analyst. He taught mathematics at Triton College in River Grove. His passion was numbers to the end. Clark will be greatly missed by family and friends. He is survived by three daughters; Jane (Robert) Landrebe, Martha (Steven) Ward and Mary Miller, four sons; Andrew (Craig Kukuk) Miller, Philip (Ann) Miller, Stephen Miller and Christopher (Deanna) Miller. Ten grandchildren, nine great grandchildren, one sister, Mariana Miller and one brother, Robert “Chip” Miller; and a host of nieces and nephews. Clark was preceded in death by his parents, his wife Marion, sister Esther Morris and brothers Edward “Mac” Morris and Wyatt “Bud” Miller. Cremation has taken place and a memorial graveside service at Riverside Cemetery will be at a later date with the Pastor Jay Fast officiating. The family prefers contributions be made in Clark’s memory to Harbert Community Church, PO Box 197, Harbert, MI 49115. Arrangements have been entrusted to Pobocik Chapel Wagner Family Funerals, Three Oaks. Please share a memory or a message online: wagnercares.com.

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THURSDAY, MAY 13, 2021 19

HOR0SCOPE MAY 13-19, 2021

AS INTERPRETED BY SANDY “STAR” BENDT ARIES MARCH 21—APRIL 19

You will see a lot of regeneration and regrowth with the company you work for and your reputation for doing a good job will be rewarded. Don’t just put in the extra hours; put in the extra physical and mental power to do a good job, as well.

LEO JULY 23—AUGUST 22

SAGITTARIUS NOVEMBER 22—DECEMBER 21

There is a level of maturity you will be feeling in your relationship. It is as if you have moved to a tenured position with someone, where you both have put in the time and requirements to make things permanent or official. It will be easy to sabotage a good thing. So, keep things very business-like.

Luck will be with you, in not only finding the right place to live but the ability to meet expenses. This is the time to keep the lines of communication open, clear and sincere across the board. Many job opportunities are opening up, as well, which will help you afford to stabilize your household.

TAURUS APRIL 20—MAY 20

Friends will prove very important this week, as you may need someone to talk to about power struggles with partners or bosses. You will have a definite view of where you think things should be going but may need to have that sounding board to see alternatives and understand differing opinions.

VIRGO AUGUST 23—SEPTEMBER 22

CAPRICORN DECEMBER 22—JANUARY 19

An opportunity or idea that you thought would work but didn’t will come back up for review this week. There are some alternatives present now that may not have been available when you first started a project or plan of action. Be sure to talk with partners, so you don’t overlook opportunities.

Returning to a past relationship or location may not bring the enrichment or fulfillment you thought it would. Something about being around this person or being at this place again will cause you second guess something. The energy lends to a lot of return trips and seeing old friends.

GEMINI MAY 21—JUNE 21

There will be new life and vitality injected into your career or place of employment now, helping you find the right place among the ranks and increasing your earning potentials. You will feel much more relaxed with those around you and may take things to a friendlier level.

LIBRA SEPTEMBER 23—OCTOBER 22 Luck will be with you in improving your work environment or changing careers. Harsh words or a tough guy attitude from your boss, just may be the catalyst needed to change the trajectory of your career now. So, don’t over think things. Trust your gut instincts to know when to leave or stay.

AQUARIUS JANUARY 20—FEBRUARY 18

CANCER JUNE 22—JULY 22

SCORPIO OCTOBER 23—NOVEMBER 21

PISCES FEBRUARY 19—MARCH 20

The vibe coming your way this week will help lighten the mood and make you feel like getting out in the world. There will be more social options open to you now. Your chances of meeting someone more stable and that you feel more emotionally in tune with, are much greater this week.

The vibe radiating towards you this week, will boost not only your love life, but your social life as well. You may not have the option of getting tied down to a one-on-one date night, when there will be so much to do with friends too. Maybe it’s time to have a small dinner/ cocktail party?

You will be blessed with a Midas touch this week. Lady luck will be shining in your money making and luxury attaining sector, putting you in the right place at the right time to cash in or find the right sale. You can spot a good gamble and have the ability to haggle when necessary. You will be feeling much more buoyant and lively this week. The energy coming your way will make you want to do things in a big way with lots of fanfare and extra pizazz. Use this vibe to talk to friends and get involved in doing projects together. This is the time to bounce back and reconnect.

I don’t know, I might discuss it all. — Dino

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20 THURSDAY, MAY 13, 2021

PUBLIC NOTICES the Americans with Disabilities Act. Individuals with disabilities requiring auxiliary aids should contact the Deputy Clerk by writing or calling the following: Nancy Griffin, Deputy Clerk, (269) 469-1500, 224 W. Buffalo St., New Buffalo, MI 49117. NOTICE OF PUBLIC HEARING The City of New Buffalo Planning Commission will hold a Public Hearing during a Special Meeting on Tuesday, June 1, 2021 at 7:00 p.m., via zoom. Join Zoom Meeting https://us02web.zoom.us/j/87 292923401?pwd=cDkxZlZOSX Vjc0dDREJqYlhiQVVFdz09 The purpose of this meeting is a special use request by Damon Marano, owner of 1 North Whittaker Street New Buffalo, MI 49117. The applicant requests a special use permit for eating establishment outdoor seating. Article 10 Sec. 10-2 “ Uses permitted by right and special use permit”. Allows (item 20) “Outdoor seating/service with special use permit. The zoning district is CBD “Central Business District”. This location, 1 N. Whittaker Street, current tenant is the Pharmacy. Building to be renovated for several future tenants. All appropriate construction permits would be required. Said property is located at 1 N. Whittaker Street, New Buffalo, MI. Property Tax Code No:1162-0340-0233-01-8. The Zoning Ordinance is available online at cityofnewbuffalo.org and City Hall. This meeting is an open meeting. The notice is posted in compliance with Open Meeting Act, Public Act 267 of 1976 MCL 15.261, et seq., and

All written comments pertaining to this request must be received by noon Tuesday, June 1, 2021. Attn: Deputy Clerk. All interested parties are urged to attend. NANCY GRIFFIN DEPUTY CLERK

NOTICE OF A PUBLIC HEARING ON PROPOSED 2021-2022 BUDGET PLEASE TAKE NOTICE that on May 24, 2021, at 7:00 o’clock p.m., via Zoom, the Board of Education of New Buffalo Area Schools will hold a public hearing to consider the District’s proposed 2021-2022 budget. The Board may not adopt its proposed 2021-2022 budget until after a public hearing. A copy of the proposed 20212022 budget, including the proposed property tax millage rate, is available for public inspection during normal business hours at 1112 E. Clay Street, New Buffalo, Michigan.

THE PROPERTY TAX MILLAGE RATE PROPOSED TO BE LEVIED TO SUPPORT THE PROPOSED BUDGET WILL BE A SUBJECT OF THIS HEARING. This notice is given by order of the Board of Education. LISA WERNER SECRETARY

Jaycees replaced as longtime hosts of July 4 parade

BY STAN MADDUX

t’s billed as the best Fourth of July parade in the state. The LaPorte Jaycees citing dwindling membership will not be hosting the event for the first time since the 1940’s. The parade cancelled in 2020 by COVID-19 will resume this year with The Kiwanis Club of LaPorte hosting one of the largest Independence Day parades in the state. “We were sorry to learn that the Jaycees were unable to be involved this year. They’ve definitely set the bar high,” said Drummond Osborn, president of the Kiwanis Club of LaPorte. This would have been the 75th annual Jaycees parade had it not been for COVID-19 last year and being short-handed this year from the continued decline in membership. Ratliff said hosting such a large scale event has been increasingly difficult since membership started dropping a decade ago. “While this decision was not made lightly, the Jaycees believe that it is time to hand off to keep the event sustainable for the future,” said Ross Ratliff, the LaPorte Jaycees 4th of July chairman. He said the Jaycees will continue to host the fireworks celebration scheduled July 3 at the LaPorte County fairgrounds and the Port-A-Pit

Chicken fundraiser June 26 outside Kablein Ace Hardware at 512 Andrew Ave. Osborn said the Kiwanis Club of LaPorte is honored to take over what he called one of the city’s “longest standing and most cherished traditions.” He said the timing also couldn’t have worked out better for his organization, which helps in areas like feeding the hungry, developing youth leadership skills and providing college scholarships. “This opportunity couldn’t fit better with our club as we celebrate our 100th anniversary this year,” Osborn said. Since World War II, the governor on Independence Day has declared LaPorte the state’s ceremonial “Capital for a Day.” Tens of thousands of people annually turn out for the parade on Indiana 2. Many individuals and families also mark their spots for watching the parade the day before with blankets, chairs, tents and other items. Mayor Tom Dermody praised the Kiwanis Club and supports having the parade as people continue to get vaccinated. “We want to have some normalcy and I certainly thank and appreciate the Jaycees for their effort to make the community better,” he said.

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THURSDAY, MAY 13, 2021 21

CLASSIFIED ADS Please submit your classified ad via email at classifieds@newbuffalotimes.com. New Buffalo Times can now accept online payments with a credit card or paypal. Go to our website, www.newbuffalotimes.com, and submit $14 per week for a classified ad of up to 160 characters. Deadline is Friday 5PM before the following week’s publication.

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The Acorn seeks an organized, customer-service oriented individual for a Part Time Operations Assistant/ Volunteer Coordinator. Responsibilities include box office, front of house, patron communication and coordinating volunteers. The position requires flexible hours including some Friday and Saturday evenings. Join this growing nonprofit performing arts organization in Three Oaks, MI. For more information, go to www.acornlive.org/jobs.

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They’re a little bit of a lot of things, but they’re all pure love.

The Acorn seeks a Part-Time Custodial THESHELTERPETPROJECT.ORG and Maintenance contractor to maintain the cleanliness of the theater 30 N Whittaker St 30 N Whittaker St building, set up theater seating for Deli by day Deli by day each show, maintain clear and safe emergency exits, periodic equipment and building inspection, and arrange repairs. This position requires flexible hours including Friday and Saturday evenings and the ability to lift at least 50 pounds. Join this growing nonprofit performing arts organization in Three Oaks, MI. For more information, go to www.acornlive.org/jobs. Open 6 days Open 6 days davidsdeliandcoffee.com davidsdeliandcoffee.com

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Tom Rossman, Agent 815 E Buffalo New Buffalo, MI 49117 Bus: 269-469-4442 Toll Free: 866-848-5266 www.tomrossman.net State Farm, Bloomington, IL 1211999

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LOCAL INTELLIGENCE

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